Process for preparing lipase

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for preparation of a novel lipase. The process is characterized by culturing a microorganism belonging to Staphylococcus capitis and capable of producing lipase in a culture medium to accumulate lipase in the cultured broth and recovering the lipase from the broth. Since the pH of this lipase is in a slightly alkali region and the lipase substantially completely converts glyceride to fatty acids and glycerin, it is useful for the economic preparation of fatty acids by the hydrolysis of fats or oils.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for producing a novel lipase comprising the steps of culturing Staphylococcus capitis T-1-1 (SAM 001) FERM BP-384 in a culture medium to accumulate the lipase in the culture broth and recovering the lipase from the broth. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein said lipase has an optimum activity under slightly alkaline conditions and is capable of substantially completely converting triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerine.